Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Aurora is 15% more expensive than Anchorage.

$1,759/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 17%
$84,320/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 16%
$444,500 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$375,900 ↓ 15%
$1,762/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↓ 4%
390,201
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $13,832/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Aurora or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Anchorage?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Anchorage?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $13,832/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Alaska?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Anchorage details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Anchorage

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